Two bags of suspected crack cocaine were found from the back of a man's pants during a stop-search in Bootle, Merseyside Police has said. The force recovered the suspected drugs on Friday, October 2.
Matrix officers on uniformed patrol spotted the man on Stanley Road at around 12.45am, and he "began to act in a nervous and anxious manner". He told the officers he was putting his hands down his pants "because they fall down".
The man was searched and a quantity of suspected crack cocaine was found. As part of a further investigation, a search of a property was carried out and suspected cocaine, cannabis resin, ketamine and drugs paraphernalia was recovered.
Arrest and charges
A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, possession with intent to supply a class A drug (cocaine), possession of a class A controlled drug (cocaine), possession of a class B controlled drug (cannabis) and possession of a class B controlled drug (other).
In bodycam footage of the arrest, a female police officer said: "I've seen you going through your pants there mate whilst you were walking, so you're just going to go in cuffs OK. Have you got anything on you that you shouldn't have?"
When the man said "no", she added: "Why were you constantly at your pants then?" The man replied: "Because they fall down." A male police officer then appeared to pull a bag of white powder out of the man's trousers.
Investigation ongoing
The man has been released under investigation as enquiries continue.
Matrix disruption inspector Emma Haffenden said: "The unusual behaviour of the man came to the officer's attention and as result he was stopped and searched.
"During the search and a subsequent search of a property we recovered a quantity of suspected class A drugs.
"We know the misery and harm that drug dealing can cause to our communities, and we would continue to appeal to anyone with information about drug dealing or criminality in their area to contact us so we can take action."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police's social media desk using X or Facebook @MerPolCC. Information can also be reported via the force's website or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website. In an emergency always call 999.
